Chief Financial Officer Position Available In Worcester, Massachusetts

Chief Financial Officer Category:

Professional

Subscribe:

Department:

Finance and Administration

Locations:

Fitchburg, MA

Posted:

Apr 7, 2025

Closes:

Jul 21, 2025 – 11:59 PM EDT

Type:

Full Time

Salary Type:

Annually

Salary Range:

$190,000.00 – $210,000.00
Position 

ID:

187141

Share About Fitchburg State University:

Fitchburg State University, a 130-year-old public institution located in North Central Massachusetts, is poised at a transformative moment in its history. Founded in 1894 with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable education, Fitchburg State has evolved into a comprehensive, regional university with a powerful commitment to equity, innovation, and student success. We serve more than 5,900 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies, offering more than 50 academic programs and nationally recognized online offerings that meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. As an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, Fitchburg State reflects the diversity, aspirations, and resilience of the communities we serve. Our campus is home to students who are first-generation, multilingual, adult learners, and traditional undergraduates, students whose ambitions are matched by the university’s dedication to transformation through public higher education. With deep roots in civic engagement, teacher preparation, business, healthcare, and STEM fields, Fitchburg State is a university with a proud legacy and a bold future.

Job Description:

Fitchburg State University seeks a dynamic, innovative, and strategic financial leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO will serve as a key architect and steward of Fitchburg State’s financial future, helping to shape a sustainable, responsive, and mission-aligned resource strategy that enables innovation and long-term institutional vitality. This is a rare and compelling opportunity to work alongside a leadership team that models transparency, decisive action, and creative problem-solving, and to join a highly collaborative and purpose-driven campus dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive future for public higher education. As Fitchburg State advances a five-year strategic vision, including ambitious goals around enrollment growth, academic innovation, campus revitalization, and financial sustainability, the CFO will be an indispensable thought partner and operational leader. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of complex financial systems, a proven track record of aligning resources with institutional priorities, and a commitment to inclusive leadership and transparent decision-making. The CFO will oversee financial planning and analysis, budgeting, procurement, accounting, investments and real estate for a university with a $120 million annual operating budget and a strong desire to expand both public and private revenue streams. In this role, the CFO will play a pivotal part in the university’s efforts to strengthen fiscal resilience, improve operational efficiency, support infrastructure renewal, and advance a compelling value proposition for students and stakeholders. Fitchburg State is a university on the rise – driven by mission, energized by momentum, and committed to redefining what’s possible for a regional public institution. The next CFO will help ensure that vision is financially and strategically realized. Reporting directly to the President, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the university’s financial operations. The CFO ensures the institution’s fiscal integrity, aligning financial planning with the university’s strategic goals. Key areas of oversight will include: Budgeting and forecasting
Accounting and financial reporting
Procurement and contract management including capital projects financing and fiscal oversight
Accounts payable and receivable
Student accounts and billing
Cash flow management
Debt restructuring and investment portfolios
Real estate strategy and portfolio management Read the

Position Profile Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

The Chief Financial Officer at Fitchburg State University will be a strategic and innovative leader, bringing proven expertise in higher education financial management and a demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity, accessibility, and transparency. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished financial steward, adept at developing and implementing strategic budgets and forecasts, managing investment portfolios, and overseeing complex capital projects and facilities finance. The CFO will be skilled at leading and developing high-performing teams across finance, procurement, and auxiliary operations and possess experience working closely with university foundations, affiliated support organizations, and auxiliary enterprises. The successful candidate will combine exceptional analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across the university community and beyond, ensuring the institution’s long-term sustainability and success.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management, including oversight of multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets.

Preferred:

Proven experience with state financial systems and compliance, including navigating state audit processes, regulatory reporting, and legislative budget procedures.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.
Executive-level experience in higher education finance, preferably at a public university or state system.
Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Ellucian Banner, Workday, or Oracle, and familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Demonstrated success in enhancing revenue streams, including grant management, auxiliary revenue, and private fundraising collaboration.
Experience with long-range financial planning, including debt strategy, endowment growth, and capital campaign planning.
A deep understanding of the role finance plays in advancing institutional access, student success, and inclusive excellence, with experience supporting mission-driven initiatives that serve a broad and diverse campus community.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. Salary is $190,000-$210,000 commensurate with education and experience. Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Nine different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options.
Pension or 401(a) defined contribution plan, and supplemental plan retirement options.
Life insurance up to 8x the annual salary.
Long-term disability coverage.
Dental insurance.
Twenty vacation days accrued per year. Fifteen sick days accrued per year. Five personal days per year. Paid holidays.
Tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children. We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Academic Search is assisting Fitchburg State University in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. To learn more about this opportunity and discuss your qualifications and interest, potential applicants are encouraged to schedule a confidential conversation with the Senior Consultant for this search, Dr. Nancy Crimmin (nancy.crimmin@academicsearch.org). To apply, please attach the following documentation in PDF format and send to FitchburgCFO@academcsearch.

org:

A detailed cover letter expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the qualifications and expectations outlined in this profile.
A current full resume or curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission. A complete background check (including identity, degree verification, criminal records check, credit check, and sexual misconduct check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position. Nominations are not required to be considered for this position; leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to FitchburgCFO@academicsearch.org. Be sure to include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/ organization, and email address. Academic Search will notify individuals of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply. Although the search remains open until the position is filled, for full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit application materials by July 21, 2025. Finalists for the position will participate in campus interviews that may include a public presentation. All applications will be treated confidentially. Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.